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Glenfinnan is famous for one structure, the curved railway viaduct that carries the Jacobite steam train across the valley, but the place itself is quieter and more interesting than a single photograph suggests. Loch Shiel stretches out below the viaduct, the monument to the Jacobite rising stands at the head of the loch, and the surrounding hills give the whole area a sense of remoteness that is hard to find on busier Highland routes.
What a Glenfinnan tour usually includes
Glenfinnan is usually visited as part of a route from Edinburgh or Glasgow that also takes in Glencoe, Fort William and, on longer tours, Loch Ness or the Isle of Skye. The key question is whether your tour is timed to see a train cross the viaduct, because that timing matters to many visitors and is not guaranteed on every itinerary. Some travellers prefer to travel on the train itself, which is a different kind of day: a rail journey from Fort William to Mallaig, with Glenfinnan as a highlight along the way, rather than a road tour with a viaduct stop. Both are worth doing, but they need different planning, especially for tickets and departure times.
How to choose a Glenfinnan tour
Decide first whether the train crossing, a train journey, or the landscape itself is your priority. If you want to watch the train, check the itinerary timing and whether the tour allows time at the viewpoint. If you want to ride the train, check whether rail tickets are included or must be booked separately, because popular services sell out well in advance. If you want a quieter visit, a multi-day tour that passes through Glenfinnan outside the busiest hours is usually better than a one-day coach that arrives with several other groups. Also check how much walking is involved, since the best viaduct viewpoint is a walk from the car park.
What to check before you book
- Whether the itinerary is timed for a train crossing, and how this is described
- Whether rail tickets are included, or must be booked separately
- How long the Glenfinnan stop lasts, and how far the viewpoint walk is
- Departure city, total route and other stops that day
- Cancellation terms, especially for train-inclusive tours
Glenfinnan tours most often depart from Edinburgh or Glasgow, so check tour availability from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide and compare the Glenfinnan timing on each itinerary. Also see our best Highlands tours guide, Glencoe tours, Loch Ness tours, tours from Glasgow and Highlands planning hub.